Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a delicate product to transport, with many potential pitfalls to navigate. They are highly perishable, easily bruised, and susceptible to temperature fluctuations, condensation, and bacterial growth. The choice of container is critical, with durability, ventilation, and temperature control being key factors. Plastic, metal, cardboard, jars, trays, buckets, and bags are all options, each with advantages and disadvantages. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, and maintaining the right temperature range is critical to preventing decay. Shipping fresh mushrooms directly from the grower to the consumer is the fastest way to get the freshest product, but it is a challenging process with many potential issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container type | Bags, jars, trays, buckets, wicker baskets, plastic containers, cardboard boxes, cloth bags, paper bags, cardboard clamshells |
| Container material | Plastic, metal, cardboard |
| Container considerations | Durability, strength, size, capacity |
| Ventilation | Proper ventilation is essential to maintain freshness and quality; lack of ventilation can lead to increased carbon dioxide levels and bacterial growth |
| Temperature | Low storage temperatures are required to reduce continued development after harvest; ideal temperature range for most strains of Psilocybe cubensis is 50–68 ℉ (10–20℃) |
| Moisture | Mushrooms are susceptible to water condensation and moisture loss; moisture loss is correlated with stipe blackening and veil opening |
| Stacking | Mushrooms should not be stacked too deep to avoid bruising |
| Cushioning | Use paper or other cushioning material to avoid movement during transit |
| Ethylene | Mushrooms should be kept separately from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables to prevent browning |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right container
When it comes to long-distance transport, your mushrooms may be subjected to various types of stress such as vibration, shock, and temperature changes. A durable container can help protect your products from these stresses and ensure they arrive in good condition. The most common types of containers used for mushroom transportation include bags, jars, trays, and buckets. Bags are a popular choice for cultivating mushrooms because they are easy to stack and create a sterile environment, which is important for mushroom growth. Jars are another good option, especially for those growing mushrooms at home.
If you are transporting sealed, sterile jars colonizing with mycelium, make sure they are secured before you leave. You can use damp perlite to fill in the gaps between cakes to prevent them from rolling around during transport. Or place them in a smaller container temporarily. You can also secure your growing mushrooms snugly in the trunk of your vehicle, so they can’t slide around while you drive. Try padding the sides of the containers with towels or blankets to prevent movement or tying the container down using straps or bungee cords.
Proper ventilation is also essential during transport to ensure that the mushrooms remain healthy and fresh. Without it, the bags can become too humid or damp, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. Additionally, a lack of ventilation can lead to an increase in carbon dioxide levels, which can be harmful to the mushrooms.
Mushrooms are also easily perishable and need some form of air exchange if they are being stored for long periods. They should be stored in a paper-based material, such as a brown paper bag or cardboard clamshell, which will allow the mushrooms to "breathe" and absorb any excess moisture. You can also use a wicker basket to transport mushrooms so they can "breathe".
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Temperature control
Before transporting mushrooms, it is important to stabilise the temperature of the transport environment, such as a car, within the desired range. This can be achieved by running the air conditioning or heater to create a comfortable climate before placing the mushrooms inside. Covering the containers with towels or blankets can provide additional insulation and help buffer temperature fluctuations during transport.
During long-distance transport, it is essential to consider the potential temperature changes that may occur en route. A well-insulated and durable container can help protect mushrooms from extreme temperatures and temperature variations. Containers with good insulation properties, such as cardboard boxes or bags with insulating materials, can be used to maintain a stable temperature. Additionally, using ice packs inside paper bags can help regulate temperatures in hot weather, ensuring the mushrooms remain cool.
Proper ventilation is also crucial during transport to prevent the build-up of excess moisture and the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. Containers with perforations or holes can aid in ventilation and reduce the risk of spoilage. Regularly opening the containers during long-distance transport to allow fresh air to circulate can also help maintain optimal temperatures and prevent the growth of undesirable organisms.
By carefully controlling temperatures and providing adequate ventilation, you can help ensure that the mushrooms arrive at their destination fresh and undamaged, maintaining their quality and extending their shelf life.
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Preventing damage
When transporting mushrooms, it is crucial to control temperature and moisture levels. Mushrooms should be kept at low temperatures, ideally between 0°C and 1°C, to reduce continued development and prevent surface browning. High relative humidity is also essential to prevent desiccation and loss of glossiness. Additionally, avoid water condensation inside packages, and keep mushrooms away from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables, as ethylene causes mushroom caps to turn brown.
For those transporting growing mushrooms, it is advised to keep the temperature stable, prevent contamination, eliminate light exposure, and minimise movement. Secure storage and careful driving can help reduce the risk of damage to the mycelium. It is also recommended to wrap exposed BRF cakes in plastic or place the entire setup in a sealed plastic bag to protect against contamination.
To prevent bruising, use wide, shallow containers with padding at the bottom, such as paper towels or cloth. Shallow cardboard boxes or flat-bottomed dish racks are ideal for stacking and provide structural support. Additionally, pick young mushrooms that are less likely to fall apart during transport.
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Maintaining freshness
Mushrooms are highly perishable due to their high water content. They are also delicate and can easily be bruised or damaged during transport. Here are some ways to maintain the freshness of mushrooms during transportation:
Choose the Right Container
Select a wide, shallow container that allows for adequate airflow and prevents stacking. Flat-bottomed dish racks or shallow cardboard boxes are good options, ensuring the mushrooms are not piled too high, which can cause bruising.
Control Temperature and Moisture
Mushrooms should be kept cool. Low storage temperatures of around 0°C to 1°C can extend their shelf life to up to 9 days. Warmer temperatures accelerate spoilage, so refrigeration is essential. Maintain high relative humidity (RH) to prevent desiccation and loss of glossiness. However, avoid water condensation inside packages, as moisture is the enemy of mushrooms, promoting spoilage and mould growth.
Use Absorbent Materials
Line your container with paper towels or cloth to absorb excess moisture. This helps control the environment by drawing away moisture from the mushrooms, keeping them dry and reducing the risk of mould.
Handle with Care
Mushrooms are delicate and easily bruised. Avoid rough handling and ensure they are securely packaged to prevent movement during transport, which can cause bruising and damage.
Storage Environment
Keep mushrooms away from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables, as ethylene causes the browning of mushroom caps. Additionally, maintain a clean storage environment to reduce the risk of contamination and ensure the mushrooms remain safe and effective for consumption.
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Packaging essentials
The type of container used for transporting mushrooms depends on the type of mushroom and the climate. Commonly used containers include bags, jars, trays, buckets, and cartons. Bags are a popular choice for cultivating mushrooms because they are easy to stack and create a sterile environment. Jars are another good option, especially for those growing mushrooms at home.
When it comes to long-distance transport, the durability and strength of the containers used are crucial. The right container can ensure your mushrooms arrive safely and maintain the reputation of your company. Plastic, metal, and cardboard are some commonly used materials for containers. Cardboard boxes from Costco, for example, are a good free option.
Proper ventilation is essential during transport to ensure that the mushrooms remain healthy and fresh. Without it, the bags can become too humid, leading to harmful bacteria and fungi growth. Additionally, a lack of ventilation can lead to increased carbon dioxide levels, which can be harmful to mushrooms.
To ensure proper airflow, poke holes in the box—around two to four on each vertical side and a few on the sides. This will allow any spores the mushroom may release to return to the wild and reproduce for the next harvest.
When placing mushrooms in a box, add paper or another type of cushioning to avoid movement during transit. If it's hot outside, you can put an ice pack inside a paper bag and place it next to the packaged mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to transport mushrooms is to use a wicker basket, a cloth bag with a plastic liner, or a cardboard clamshell or brown paper bag. If you are transporting mushrooms in a car, make sure the environment is clean and secure the mushrooms in the trunk of your vehicle so they can't slide around.
Mushrooms are easily perishable, so it is important to ensure they have some form of air exchange if they are being stored for long periods of time. Poke holes in the box or bag to allow the mushrooms to breathe and absorb excess moisture. Avoid using plastic bags, as these can encourage bacterial growth due to trapped moisture.
When choosing a container for transporting mushrooms, consider the durability and strength of the material. Plastic, metal, and cardboard are all options, but cardboard clamshells or paper bags are ideal for temporary storage during transit. Also, consider the size and capacity of the container, as well as proper ventilation to maintain the freshness and quality of the mushrooms.
